:strip_icc()/colorful-garden-path-e4352b63-e5f25b1ef0c9486db05dbe0617f07a84.jpg "Drought Tolerant Landscaping Ideas 8 Solutions for More Sustainable Garden Designs")
Drought-tolerant landscaping is high on the agenda today due to the availability of low water price discounts, lawn-to-garden conversion incentives and irrigation subsidies. This means there has never been a better time to redesign your landscape with a more sustainable approach.
Landscaping designed with drought tolerance in mind includes a mix of hardscape elements such as gravel, river rock, and well-drained pavement, as well as plants, shrubs, and trees that are native to your area and do not require frequent watering. In addition, there will be "smart" irrigation such as water saving devices, rainwater harvesting, and greywater systems.
Maybe you're worried about drought in your area or you're switching to drought-tolerant plant ideas because you don't want to spend more time watering your garden every day. Be sure to hear what the experts have to say about drought-tolerant landscaping and what you can learn to make your garden more climate-friendly.
Reduce your water usage with these drought tolerant landscaping ideas
"With climate change and growing water scarcity, it is imperative that we make sustainable choices for our gardens," said Andrew Laurier, horticultural expert at Be.Green. "By choosing drought-tolerant native plants and trees, we can create beautiful, resilient landscapes that conserve water and support local ecosystems."
If you are unsure about plants or other aspects of drought tolerant garden ideas, it is best to consult a local nursery, your local extension service, horticulturist or landscaper. They know the conditions in your area and can provide valuable information. Advise.
1. Choose drought-resistant native plants
Native plants are an excellent choice for drought-tolerant landscaping because they are adapted to the local climate and require less water once established. "Native plants vary by area, but some popular drought-tolerant options include succulents like agave and yucca, ornamental grasses like common reed and blue fescue, and flowering perennials like lavender and echinacea," says Kevi Tara, owner of Leaf n Joy Nursery. Once planted, plants like Elijah Blue Fescue (available at Nature Hills) require limited amounts of water.
When choosing drought-tolerant native shrubs and plants, do your research first and see what thrives. "Even better if you can find some wasteland," advises landscape gardener and permaculture researcher Samuil Iliev. "That's where you'll find the hardiest plants. Most are considered weeds, but some will catch your eye. You can use one of the many plant identification apps and then look for a local nursery that sells the plants or their seeds. keep in stock.
Shallow water grasses such as Carex pansa are easy to care for and very versatile. "They also sway beautifully in the wind," says Camille Cimino, a California-based landscape architect at The Nature of Things Design. "Other good alternatives are aloe vera, agave and phormium tenax, which come in a variety of attractive colors and shapes."
2. Make good use of mulch to retain moisture
Bare soil is prone to erosion, weed seed growth and water wastage, but mulch has benefits that counteract all of these. There are many types of mulch and the rule of thumb is "the more the merrier".
"Most logging companies are happy to provide mulch trucks in good condition," says Kate Russell, author of Stop Wating Your Yard! (available on Amazon) and founder of The Daily Garden. “Coarse wood chips are ideal. They decompose slowly, improve soil structure and feed the soil microorganisms that make plant life possible.
If you apply a thick layer of mulch on the surface of the soil, it will absorb rainwater like a sponge and then keep it in the soil. That means it's a real boon for drought-tolerant landscaping ideas.
3. Mix up your landscaping options
Authentic things feel good, whether they are real plants or landscapes. Choose a well-drained landscape as a natural partner for drought-tolerant planting ideas.
"For country paths and patios, local pea gravel is an elegant, economical and eco-friendly choice," says Heather Evans, expert gardener and author of Substack's Dear Avant Gardener column. "It lets the rain in, and stores much-needed water on your property." Heather uses local yellow and white pea gravel in her Florida garden.
Sarah Gill is a garden and landscape expert at Hypedome. He's also a fan of the idea of a gravel garden to reduce runoff and encourage better water infiltration as an important drought-tolerant landscape element.
"I also like decomposed granite, which is a crushed stone material that packs well and provides a stable surface for walkways and patios," says Sarah. "Decomposed granite allows water to penetrate the soil while providing a strong and durable surface." It can be used on its own or with other landscaping materials to add further visual interest.
You can also use river pebbles, lava rock, pumice and even crushed concrete as decorative accents in your drought-tolerant landscape.
4. Choose smart water management solutions
For drought-tolerant landscaping to survive and thrive, you must be able to conserve and harvest as much water as possible. Water the plant deeply but less often, which uses less water and gets the water where the plant needs it most, at the root level. Keep in mind that not all plants require the same amount of water. To reduce evaporation, avoid common garden watering mistakes by watering during the hottest part of the day.
In addition to mulching, try drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting. If you make rain barrels and combine them with rain chains, you can maximize the amount of water you can collect.
“If you can install a rain barrel and collect rainwater, that's always a good thing. Try to capture as much water as possible," says Kody J Ketterling, professional landscape designer and owner of Twin Falls, Idaho-based KJ Enterprises. "Every time you can get to water, you help create a cooling effect on plants and to provide land. ."
5. Cut the grass (or throw it away)
Another way to reduce water consumption is to remove the grass or reduce its size. Popular remodeling ideas include a mix of drought-tolerant plants and well-drained landscaping.
"The traditional golf course has disappeared," says Camille Cimino. "You need a lot of water, weekly mowing and annual fertilization. You can still create an inviting space to linger, play or socialize by using gravel or mulch in the greenery.
The grassless garden trend is taking off and is very popular with redevelopment enthusiasts. "I started introducing native plants by turning my garden into a lawn," says Kate Russell. "It turned out great." First, almost all work is eliminated. Once my grass has established itself, I no longer need to water, weed, mow or aerate it. I can just sit back and watch all the butterflies, birds and other creatures interested in my new offering.
6. Plant a drought-resistant native tree or two
By choosing drought-tolerant native trees that are well adapted to the climate, it's easy to create beautiful, resilient landscapes that conserve water and support local ecosystems. It is also ideal for wild garden ideas.
" In a warming world we need more trees to provide shade," said Heather Evans. “Native trees that have evolved in your area are more adapted to climates, including periods of drought. I like small flowering trees because almost anyone can grow them in the garden, they feed birds and pollinators, and they look beautiful.
Heather's favorite drought-tolerant flowering trees for the small garden come from most parts of the United States: Saskatoon, American dogwood, Chickasaw plum (native to the Southeast), and cherry. "Native plum and cherry trees are keystone species," he adds, "home to around 400 butterfly and moth caterpillars, an important food source for nesting birds."
One of Andrew Laurier's favorite trees is Palo Verde. "It is a drought-resistant wonder, with green stems and bright yellow flowers," she says. "It is originally from desert areas and has evolved to survive harsh conditions. The canopy provides dappled shade while the flowers attract pollinators, helping to support local biodiversity.
7. Hardscape with drought resistant ground cover
Landscaping with plants can enhance the beauty and function of an outdoor space. By pairing your landscape with the best ground cover plants, you can add visual interest while conserving water.
"Create charming paths and walkways by lining them with a low-growing groundcover such as creeping thyme or sedum that will stand up to tread and emit a pleasant fragrance as you walk," says Brock Ingham, founder of Bigger Garden. "Try planting pockets in the cracks in the retaining wall." You can also consider replacing the grass with a passable ground cover.
Brock also suggests pairing the rock garden with drought-tolerant varieties such as ice vine, blue fescue or sedum for a beautiful display of texture and color.
8. Try edible xeriscaping
"Having lived in California most of my life, droughts have always been a part of my gardening and landscaping plans," says Kate Russell. "Most edible plants require more water than is typically used in xeriscaping, but not all."
Vegetables, including green beans, garlic and onions, herbs and mustard greens, as well as fruits such as figs, grapes and pomegranates are all on Kate's list of forbidden plants. edible xeriscaping. Although this plant requires watering, especially when growing, this drought-tolerant vegetable should be able to produce an edible plant that uses less water than other traditional vegetables. Also known as dry farming, this method uses plants that have evolved to use water stored in the soil from previous winter rains.
"Identify wet spots such as downspouts and low-lying areas that are suitable for plants that need more water," suggests Kate. "Identify how much sun each area receives during the day and during different seasons." These area color codes can help you place your plants based on sun exposure requirements.
When it comes to drought-tolerant landscapes, anything you can do to keep as much water as possible will benefit your plants. "Any soil exposed to sunlight will dry out faster, expand your hot spot and take longer to replenish with water," says Kody J Ketterling. "So if you can cover the soil, you give the soil the ability to hold more moisture, which reduces the amount of water the plants need."
